Grand Rapids Named Best Beer Scene in 2017!

Asheville,. Fort Collins, Chicago and Cleveland in top five

These 10 American cities were nominated by a panel of beer experts and voted on by USA TODAY 10Best readers as having the best beer scenes in the nation – stellar selections of established and up-and-coming breweries, beer bars, brewpubs, beer festivals and even thriving homebrew communities where novice brewers can get their foot in the door.

Philadelphia

The City of Brotherly Love is a hard-drinking town - ask anyone who’s been on South Street during last call - and more and more Philadelphians are focusing their efforts on enjoying the area’s impressive craft brews. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of top-notch beer bars, from the much-lauded Monk’s Cafe to the equally impressive City Tap House and Eulogy Belgian Tavern. Yards Brewing Company is the city’s most popular craft brewery, and there are several smaller outfits that have popped up in recent years. Perhaps it’s the year-round event calendar that sets Philly’s beer scene apart. Spanning 10 days, Philly Beer Week is the country’s oldest and biggest event of its kind.Photo courtesy of J. Fusco for VISIT PHILADELPHIA

Tampa

The nationally-renowned Cigar City Brewery dominates the Tampa beer scene. Good thing, then, that Cigar City’s beers can be enjoyed at many area bars, and the brewery’s welcoming brewpub provides a handy option for those looking to take a deep dive into its roster of award-winning brews. Newer operations such as Tampa Bay Brewing Company, Angry Chair and Coppertail Brewing Company are all making a name for themselves. Various restaurants and bars - most of whom offer sunny outdoor patios - provide easy access to the light, citrusy beers that mirror the local breweries’ surroundingsPhoto courtesy of Visit Tampa Bay

Cincinnati

Cincinnati was already a major beer-producing city in the mid-1800s, with more than 36 breweries, and that legacy continues into the present day. Beer fans can tour original brewery buildings and underground tunnels in the Over-the-Rhine Brewery District before sitting down for a cold one at one of the city's many beer-centric establishments, including Rhinegeist, Blank Slate Brewing Co., DogBerry Brewing or Fifty West Brewing Co.Photo courtesy of Montgomery Inn

Minneapolis

The Land of 10,000 Lakes could also be called the Land of 10,000 Brews, thanks to the stellar beer scene in Minneapolis – there are some 50 breweries in the Twin Cities metro area alone. Popular breweries include Fulton Brewing, Surly Brewing Co. and Dangerous Man Brewing Co., while beer bars and gastropubs like Republic, William's Uptown Pub & Peanut Bar and Pig & Fiddle keep beer aficionados happy.Photo courtesy of Meet Minneapolis

Cleveland

Ohio’s oldest craft brewery, Great Lakes Brewing, set up shop in Cleveland in 1988. Ever since, Northeast Ohio has served as a regional mecca for beer enthusiasts. Forward-thinking breweries such Platform Beer Co., Market Garden, Portside and Nano Brew have elevated The Forest City’s beer scene into the national consciousness. City Tap Cleveland, McNulty’s Bier Markt and Tremont Tap House are just three of the many beer bars that give beerhounds ample opportunities to taste the best area brews.Photo courtesy of ThisisCleveland.com

Chicago

Thanks to its central location and large population of beer enthusiasts, Chicago offers one of the country’s most comprehensive beer scenes. The Windy City is home to numerous award-winning breweries, several of which (Off Color Brewing, Penrose Brewing Company, Revolution) were started by alumni of Goose Island, the brewery that essentially kicked off Chicago’s craft beer craze. There are plenty of mindblowing beer bars (Local Option, Maria’s Packaged Goods & Community Bar) that provide visitors with a one-stop shop for trying out the best of the Midwest’s craft brews, including Chicago’s own Metropolitan Brewing and Half Acre. Chicago is also big enough to support numerous innovative, forward-thinking brewing operations such as the culinary-focused Moody Tongue.Photo courtesy of Adam Alexander Photography

Fort Collins, Colo.

Just over an hour’s drive north of Denver, the city of Fort Collins punches well above its weight when it comes to beer. This city of only 150,000 houses the nationally-renowned heavyweight New Belgium as well as smaller, award-winning breweries such as Odell, Funkwerks and Equinox. College kids and outdoorsy locals welcome the night by sampling the best of the area’s output at a host of beer-focused bars (Tap and Handle, The Mayor of Old Town, The Forge Publick House).Photo courtesy of Visit Ft. Collins

Asheville, N.C.

The “Paris of the South” is believed to have more breweries per capita than any U.S. city. A plethora of friendly beer bars (Thirsty Monk, The Bywater) and bottle shops (Appalachian Vintner, Bruisin’ Ales) provide enthusiasts with easy access to more than 100 local beers. First-time visitors often start out at Wicked Weed’s comprehensive brewpub, and adventurous types make a beeline for the brewery’s “Funkatorium,” where a dozen sour and funky beers are served.Photo courtesy of ExploreAsheville.com

Grand Rapids, Mich.

Michigan’s second-largest city sports the state’s strongest beer scene, thanks largely to the presence of the world-renowned Founders Brewing Co. Not to be outdone, there are several other brewing operations around town, most notably the Belgian-inspired Brewery Vivant. The city’s official “Beer City Ale Trail” lists more than 40 breweries in the surrounding area, and the local calendar is constantly filled with beer festivals, events, and promotions. Throw in exceptional beer stores such as Siciliano’s Market, and it’s easy to see why Grand Rapids proudly stakes its claim as “Beer City USA.”Photo courtesy of Experience Grand Rapids

The top 10 winners in the category Best Beer Scene are as follows:

Grand Rapids, Mich.

Asheville, N.C.

Fort Collins, Colo.

Chicago

Cleveland

Minneapolis

Cincinnati

Tampa

Atlanta

Philadelphia

A panel of experts partnered with 10Best editors to picked the initial 20 nominees, and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote. Experts Mike Arra (Bon Beer Voyage), Jack Muldowney (The Hop Review) and Ale Sharpton (AleSharpton.com) were chosen based on their knowledge and experience in the American beer industry.

The Experts

Mike Arra

Dr. Mike Arra is the CBO (Chief Beer Officer) and logistics guru of Bon Beer Voyage, an award-winning beer tour company for Belgian and Craft Beer Enthusiasts. Bon Beer Voyage was created by Mike and his wife, Ruth Berman, as the beer lover’s casual but exclusive version of elite wine tours. They offer higher quality, small group, gourmet beer vacations (Beercations) in the US and abroad; providing their guests with one-of-kind experiences, sightseeing, great food, brewery insider visits and beer tastings. Mike also is the beer instructor for Bon Beer Voyage’s monthly beer tasting classes and serves as the beer guide for their Beercation beer hunting sessions.

Mike Arra

Dr. Mike Arra is the CBO (Chief Beer Officer) and logistics guru of Bon Beer Voyage, an award-winning beer tour company for Belgian and Craft Beer Enthusiasts. Bon Beer Voyage was created by Mike and his wife, Ruth Berman, as the beer lover’s casual but exclusive version of elite wine tours. They offer higher quality, small group, gourmet beer vacations (Beercations) in the US and abroad; providing their guests with one-of-kind experiences, sightseeing, great food, brewery insider visits and beer tastings. Mike also is the beer instructor for Bon Beer Voyage’s monthly beer tasting classes and serves as the beer guide for their Beercation beer hunting sessions.

Gary Monterosso

Gary Monterosso is an award-winning critic, who has written for national and regional publications. He is the host of the popular television show, “What’s On Tap,” seen on Comcast Channel 22 in southern New Jersey and online at snjtoday.com, and the author of the book Artisan Beers.
In early 2014, Gary was selected by Chilled Magazine to be a member of the “Chilled 100,” signifying him as one of the top 100 beverage personalities in the United States.
He continues to be a fixture at regional beer events by hosting dinners and tasting seminars. He has qualified as a Certified Beer Server, a part of the Cicerone Certification Program, recognizing his knowledge of beer styles, culture, the brewing process and ingredients.

Gary Monterosso

Gary Monterosso is an award-winning critic, who has written for national and regional publications. He is the host of the popular television show, “What’s On Tap,” seen on Comcast Channel 22 in southern New Jersey and online at snjtoday.com, and the author of the book Artisan Beers.
In early 2014, Gary was selected by Chilled Magazine to be a member of the “Chilled 100,” signifying him as one of the top 100 beverage personalities in the United States.
He continues to be a fixture at regional beer events by hosting dinners and tasting seminars. He has qualified as a Certified Beer Server, a part of the Cicerone Certification Program, recognizing his knowledge of beer styles, culture, the brewing process and ingredients.

Jack Muldowney

Focusing on long-form editorial style content and aesthetic, The Hop Review aims to deliver the industry’s best stories–with an approachability to beer enthusiasts of all types. Since inception in 2012, THR has been fortunate to sit down with some of beer’s best brewers, shop owners, distributors and brand managers from Chicago, the Midwest and around the globe. As a co-founder of The Hop Review, Jack Muldowney has carried over his eye for the carefully-branded, from his full time career as a designer. He prefers beers of the 'pale' variety and credits Chicago for changing his perception as to what makes a great brew.

Jack Muldowney

Focusing on long-form editorial style content and aesthetic, The Hop Review aims to deliver the industry’s best stories–with an approachability to beer enthusiasts of all types. Since inception in 2012, THR has been fortunate to sit down with some of beer’s best brewers, shop owners, distributors and brand managers from Chicago, the Midwest and around the globe. As a co-founder of The Hop Review, Jack Muldowney has carried over his eye for the carefully-branded, from his full time career as a designer. He prefers beers of the 'pale' variety and credits Chicago for changing his perception as to what makes a great brew.

Ale Sharpton

Originally from New York and a Cornell University alumnus, Dennis Malcolm Byron aka Ale Sharpton is an entrepreneur, award-winning journalist, photographer, editor and beer expert who has worked with various publications and websites for the past 20 years. Listing sources, Dennis aka Ale has contributed to FirstWeFeast.com, Beer Advocate, Ebony, Jezebel, Upscale, JET, Men's Book, Uptown, WHERE Magazine and Atlanta Eats TV in his growing portfolio.
Relating to what he assuredly terms “the greatest beverage in the world,” Ale is a globetrotting beer authority, blogger of the acclaimed site AleSharpton.com, and produces his own beer show on the Web–Cruisin’ For A Brewsin’.
Although he consistently feeds his passion to discover the world, Dennis aka Ale proudly claims Atlanta, Georgia his home.
You can follow Ale on his website, Twitter (@alesharpton); and Instagram (@realalesharpton).

Ale Sharpton

Originally from New York and a Cornell University alumnus, Dennis Malcolm Byron aka Ale Sharpton is an entrepreneur, award-winning journalist, photographer, editor and beer expert who has worked with various publications and websites for the past 20 years. Listing sources, Dennis aka Ale has contributed to FirstWeFeast.com, Beer Advocate, Ebony, Jezebel, Upscale, JET, Men's Book, Uptown, WHERE Magazine and Atlanta Eats TV in his growing portfolio.
Relating to what he assuredly terms “the greatest beverage in the world,” Ale is a globetrotting beer authority, blogger of the acclaimed site AleSharpton.com, and produces his own beer show on the Web–Cruisin’ For A Brewsin’.
Although he consistently feeds his passion to discover the world, Dennis aka Ale proudly claims Atlanta, Georgia his home.
You can follow Ale on his website, Twitter (@alesharpton); and Instagram (@realalesharpton).